Edward, Chijioke and Tor, Tyokor Emmanuel (2026) ADOPTING PRAGMATIC COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES BY UNIVERSITY LECTURERS FOR EFFECTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH GEN Z STUDENTS. GOUNI INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND PEDAGOGY (GIJELP), 1 (1). pp. 123-130.
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Abstract
This paper examines the adoption of pragmatic communication strategies by university lecturers for effective engagement with Generation Z students in higher education. Grounded in pragmatic theory, the study explores how classroom discourse functions as a site of meaning negotiation shaped by speech acts, relevance, and politeness. It argues that traditional lecturer-centered communication often creates gaps in interaction due to misalignment with the communicative expectations of Generation Z learners, who prioritize clarity, immediacy, and contextual relevance. Drawing on a critical review of existing literature, the paper identifies key sources of pragmatic breakdown, including misinterpreted instructional intent, lack of relevance, and rigid power dynamics in lecturer–student interaction. It further proposes pragmatic communication strategies such as the use of contextsensitive speech acts, relevance-driven instruction, politeness and relational awareness, and multimodal engagement techniques. The paper demonstrates conceptually that effective teaching in contemporary classrooms requires not only content expertise but also communicative adaptability. It concludes that integrating pragmatic competence into pedagogical practice can enhance student participation, understanding, and overall learning outcomes. The study contributes to the intersection of linguistics and pedagogy by foregrounding communication as a central element of teaching effectiveness in the Gen Z classroom.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | P Language and Literature > PE English |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Arts > Faculty of Law > Faculty of Management and Social Sciences > Faculty of Education |
| Depositing User: | Uchenna Eneogwe |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Jun 2026 14:19 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Jun 2026 14:19 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5709 |
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